Vintage locomotive 'The Empress' passes through Saskatchewan
A lengthy 93 long years after it first hit the track, CPKC’s 2816 locomotive known “The Empress” has embarked on its “Final Spike Tour.”
The trip is in celebration of the rail network – which connects Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The Empress’s return trip from its cross-continental journey brought it back through Saskatchewan on Monday.
Train enthusiasts of all ages gathered in communities along CPKC’s main line as The Empress steamed through. Among them was 94-year-old Paul Schlosser, who fired down the same rail line many times as far as McLean.
Schlosser wanted an opportunity to see “The Empress” again.
“I worked on the railroad for five years and this is the last steam engine that we may see so I want[ed] to get some pictures of it,” he explained.
“This is a big passenger engine that worked out of Moose Jaw, and they were very good. They hauled seven to eight cars at 80 miles an hour.”
The still functioning working began its journey in April at CPKC’s headquarters in Calgary. The train would go on to make 11 stops, travelling as far south as Mexico City.
Back in Saskatchewan, Stacey Molleken was another spectator. He has seen The Empress several times – but keeps coming back – for another glance at the vintage beauty.
“It’s a steam engine and it’s just one of my passions. I’ve always loved steam engines because they’re not around anymore other than a few of them,” he explained. “So this is a great opportunity for me to come out and take some pictures and see it again.”
The Empress will stay overnight in Moose Jaw before heading through Medicine Hat and its final destination of Calgary on July 10.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A wave of exploding pagers in Lebanon and Syria kills at least 8, including members of Hezbollah
Hundreds of handheld pagers exploded near simultaneously across Lebanon and in parts of Syria on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, including members of the militant group Hezbollah and a girl, and wounding the Iranian ambassador, government and Hezbollah officials said.
After another Liberal loss, Trudeau says there are 'all sorts of reflections' to do
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he's going to 'stay focused' on governing after being handed his second byelection upset in recent months.
More non-smokers are getting lung cancer. Here's why and how you can protect yourself, according to a doctor
More people who have never touched a cigarette are getting lung cancer, but there are ways to prevent it, according to a doctor.
These people say they got listeria after drinking recalled plant-based milks
The Canadian Press spoke to 10 people, from the parents of a toddler to an 89-year-old senior, who say they became sick with listeria after drinking from cartons of plant-based milk stamped with the recalled product code. Here's a look at some of their experiences.
Canada's inflation cools to 2% in August, the smallest gain since early 2021
Canada's annual inflation rate reached the central bank's target in August at it cooled to 2 per cent, its lowest level since February 2021, data showed on Tuesday.
Ontario man who almost fell for text scam issues warning to others
An Ontario man thought he got some good news when he received a text message offering a $30 gift for being a loyal Giant Tiger customer. 'I do go to that store so I clicked on the link and it said it was a customer appreciation award they were going to give people,' Mark Martin, of Simcoe, Ont., told CTV News Toronto.
BREAKING
BREAKING Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering, according to a federal indictment unsealed Tuesday.
'On the edge of life': Influencer has a close encounter with a bear after climbing into a den
Influencer Stefan Jankovic shared footage of a terrifying close encounter with a bear after climbing into a den in Bosnia and Herzegovia.
Instagram makes teen accounts private as pressure mounts on the app to protect children
Instagram is making teen accounts private by default as it tries to make the platform safer for children amid a growing backlash against how social media affects young people's lives.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon man Thomas Hamp fatally stabbed his partner, but is he criminally responsible for murder?
The second-degree murder trial of Thomas Hamp began Monday with the defence admitting Hamp fatally stabbed his girlfriend Emily Stanche on Feb. 20, 2022.
-
'I understand those fears': Saskatoon downtown shelter proponents answer questions from the public
Saskatoon’s administration defended its choice of a downtown shelter site in a public information session at city hall on Monday, and the city expects it will move ahead.
-
Sask. housing industry leaders release policy blueprint to meet demand for new units
Saskatchewan needs between 60,000 and 80,000 new housing units by 2030 to keep up with population growth and demand, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Winnipeg
-
Thousands without power in southern Manitoba due to storm, lightning
Thousands of people are without power Tuesday morning as widespread outages sweep southern Manitoba.
-
NDP beat out Conservatives in federal byelection in Winnipeg
The New Democrats declared a federal byelection victory late Monday in their Winnipeg stronghold riding of Elmwood--Transcona.
-
'Toxic and dysfunctional': Manitoba NDP MLA booted from caucus speaks out against Wab Kinew
Manitoba’s NDP government has removed Mark Wasyliw, MLA for Fort Garry, from the party’s caucus after the party discovered his business partner is working as Peter Nygard’s criminal defense lawyer.
Edmonton
-
Jasper council to debate asking Alberta government for budget funding support
The town council of Jasper, Alta., is set to discuss today if it will ask for funding from the provincial government to offset reduced property tax revenues for the next three years.
-
Canada's inflation cools to 2% in August, the smallest gain since early 2021
Canada's annual inflation rate reached the central bank's target in August at it cooled to 2 per cent, its lowest level since February 2021, data showed on Tuesday.
-
MPs to discuss deaths of First Nations people by police in emergency debate
Members of Parliament will hold an emergency debate in the House of Commons Monday evening on a string of recent deaths of First Nations people during interactions with Canadian police forces.
Calgary
-
Calgary city council set to face fallout of losing provincial funding for Green Line
Calgary city council is set to face the fallout Tuesday of losing Alberta government funding for its Green Line light rail transit project, as Mayor Jyoti Gondek says it's clear the province isn't willing to budge on its rerouting demands.
-
Man dead following confrontation with Calgary police
Calgary police say a man who was causing a disturbance Tuesday morning at a hotel in Acadia died while officers attempted to arrest him.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Severe thunderstorms possible in southern Alberta Tuesday
Usually severe thunderstorms are confined to the summer months in southern Alberta mainly due to our latitude.
Lethbridge
-
2 Lethbridge youths arrested after fire at southeast business
Two 16-year-old boys have been charged with arson following a fire at a Lethbridge building earlier this month.
-
Lethbridge residents used 16 per cent less water this summer than last
The City of Lethbridge says water usage this summer was lower than expected.
-
Man wanted on warrants in Lethbridge arrested, faces 16 new charges
Lethbridge police say a man wanted on warrants fled from officers in a vehicle and barricaded himself for hours in a home in the southern Alberta city.
Toronto
-
Canada's inflation cools to 2% in August, the smallest gain since early 2021
Canada's annual inflation rate reached the central bank's target in August at it cooled to 2 per cent, its lowest level since February 2021, data showed on Tuesday.
-
Man dies after industrial accident at Ontario Place
A man has died following an industrial accident at Ontario Place.
-
Ontario man who almost fell for text scam issues warning to others
An Ontario man thought he got some good news when he received a text message offering a $30 gift for being a loyal Giant Tiger customer. 'I do go to that store so I clicked on the link and it said it was a customer appreciation award they were going to give people,' Mark Martin, of Simcoe, Ont., told CTV News Toronto.
Ottawa
-
Fire damages four businesses at Kanata strip mall
A 9-1-1 caller reported heavy smoke coming from the roof of the mall on Hazeldean Road at Castlefrank Road at approximately 3:40 a.m.
-
Trial underway for Ottawa man accused of murdering wife, injuring daughter
The trial of a man accused of stabbing his wife to death in an attack that also injured his daughter in Ottawa's west end in June 2021 is set to get underway Tuesday.
-
Ottawa Public Health to begin issuing suspension notices in the new year for incomplete immunization records
Ottawa Public Health is resuming the ongoing surveillance and enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act this school year, checking to see if a student's vaccination records are up to date with the vaccines required to attend school.
Montreal
-
Black Lives Ruined: What goes through a Black man's mind when he's pulled over
The story is almost always the same: a Black man, perhaps in a nice car or walking down the street, is stopped by police. He asks, 'Why have you stopped me?' The response is he's either given a ticket, harassed or killed.
-
MK-ULTRA: Ottawa, McGill seek to dismiss Montreal brainwashing experiment lawsuit
Family members of patients allegedly brainwashed decades ago at a Montreal psychiatric hospital are afraid they're running out of time to get compensation because the federal government and McGill University have filed motions to dismiss their lawsuit.
-
Trudeau loses another Liberal stronghold in Bloc Quebecois byelection victory
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has suffered another devastating byelection blow with the loss of a second Liberal stronghold, this one to the Bloc Quebecois in LaSalle—Emard—Verdun.
Vancouver
-
Sarah McLachlan honoured with Canada Post commemorative stamp unveiling in B.C.
Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan and the head of Canada Post are expected to unveil a stamp in her honour.
-
B.C. NDP, Conservatives statistically tied after United party capitulation, survey finds
Support for both the B.C. NDP and B.C. Conservatives has surged since the capitulation of B.C. United, leaving the two parties in a statistical tie, according to a new poll.
-
Tensions grow with Fraser Health as Surrey ER doctors cite 'toxic' workplace, 'failing their patients'
Emergency physicians at Surrey Memorial Hospital have grown so frustrated with Fraser Health, they have penned a letter to the CEO of the health authority calling for "new leadership" and citing a "decline in patient care" as they struggle to stabilize the situation and serve patients.
Vancouver Island
-
Critics slam B.C. premier's involuntary care announcement, cite lack of evidence
The B.C. premier’s announcement to introduce involuntary care for people with serious addiction and mental health issues is being met with pushback from critics who say the decision isn’t evidence-based and will cause more harm.
-
Sarah McLachlan honoured with Canada Post commemorative stamp unveiling in B.C.
Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan and the head of Canada Post are expected to unveil a stamp in her honour.
-
B.C. lightkeepers' jobs in jeopardy as coast guard plans to automate 2 stations
Calls are growing for the federal government to pause plans to de-staff two lighthouses on Vancouver Island over fears the move could put mariners and hikers in danger.
Kelowna
-
Son charged with B.C. woman's murder: RCMP
More than a year after a missing Kamloops, B.C., woman’s body was found, her son has been arrested and charged with her murder, Mounties announced Friday.
-
Woman stabbed during daylight Kelowna home invasion: RCMP
A woman suffered life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during a home invasion in Kelowna, according to authorities.
-
Dog mauled to death in B.C. yard after 3 pit bulls jump fence: police
A 12-year-old collie was killed by three pit bulls in the B.C. Interior Sunday morning, according to authorities.
London
-
Western support workers take message to Queen's Park
Local 2361 Vice-President Chris Yates was in Toronto on Tuesday with London West MPP Terence Kernaghan, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn and NDP Labour Critic, Jamie West.
-
Driver charged after crash into house sends four people to hospital
A London, Ont., resident is facing impaired driving charges after a crash in Lakeshore, Ont., sent four people to hospital last month.
-
Driver charged following fatal collision involving motorcyclist
The motorcyclist, a 23-year-old from Oxford County, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kitchener
-
Woman charged with attempted murder after injured child found at Woolwich Township home
The Waterloo Regional Police Service says they responded to a request for a wellness check at a home in St. Jacobs at around 7:30 p.m. Monday.
-
Shots fired at a home in Woodstock, multiple bullet holes found
Police were called to the area of Harcourt Crescent and Upper Thames Drive for a report of gun shots around 4:30 p.m. Monday.
-
GoFundMe cancels fundraiser for Ontario woman charged with spraying neighbour with a water gun
A Simcoe, Ont., woman charged with assault with a weapon after accidentally spraying her neighbour with a water gun says GoFundMe has now pulled the plug on her online fundraiser.
Northern Ontario
-
GoFundMe cancels fundraiser for Ontario woman charged with spraying neighbour with a water gun
A Simcoe, Ont., woman charged with assault with a weapon after accidentally spraying her neighbour with a water gun says GoFundMe has now pulled the plug on her online fundraiser.
-
Body of 12-year-old missing boy recovered from Georgian Bay
Ontario Provincial Police say the body of a 12-year-old boy who went missing while swimming at Huronia Park in Penetanguishene on Sunday was found.
-
Mortgage loan rules are changing in Canada
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced changes to mortgage rules she says are aimed at helping more Canadians to purchase their first home.
Atlantic
-
Two people charged in murder of Halifax teen; police believe remains have been found
Halifax Regional Police has determined Devon Sinclair Marsman, who disappeared in 2022, was the victim of a homicide and two people have now been charged in his death.
-
Feds tell N.S. and N.B. to pay half of Chignecto Isthmus costs 'before it is too late'
The federal government says it will move on to fund other projects if the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia provincial governments don’t accept a 50/50 split in mitigation costs at the Chignecto Isthmus.
-
Nova Scotia implements new policing standards after Mass Casualty report
The Nova Scotia government says it’s modernizing its policing standards with a more effective and accountable policing model that introduces an auditing system for all policing agencies.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador monitoring rise in whooping cough cases: medical officer
Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer is monitoring the rise of whooping cough infections across the province as cases of the highly contagious disease continue to grow across Canada.
-
Dispute over unrecognized Inuit group halts major conference for Canadian North
A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.
-
Cow cuddling: Why a Newfoundland farm is offering quality time with these 'gentle creatures'
Jim Lester’s farm hopped on the cow-cuddling trend in early August, and his time slots have been pretty well sold out ever since.
